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 |  | Hourly Rate: $90-$500+ |  | Divorce: $10,000-$50,000+ |  | Bankruptcy: $1,000-$500,000+ |
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A lawyer will typically specialize in a particular type of legal work, and fees will depend on the type and complexity of the legal services needed, local rates, the size of the law firm, and the experience and reputation of the individual lawyer. Legal fees also vary significantly in different cities, counties and states.
Typical costs: | - An attorney may charge a flat fee for a specific service or an hourly rate of $90-$500 or more. A retainer is an up-front fee paid to hire an attorney, usually a percentage of the total fee or the equivalent of several hours work. A lawyer working on an hourly basis deducts that hourly rate from the retainer as the work is done; when the retainer is gone, the client is billed for additional payment. In some liability lawsuits, a lawyer may take the case on a contingency basis, meaning the lawyer earns a percentage of any money received once the case is settled or the trial is complete.
- Fees for crafting legal documents or filing paperwork vary depending on the type of documents; drawing up a basic will can cost $150-$600 or more. Also see: Prenuptial Agreement; Estate Planning; Probate; or Trust.
- Flat fees for handling a divorce vary from $200 for filing a motion to $10,000-$25,000 for handling all aspects of the process. In complicated, highly emotional cases with legal fees charged on an hourly basis, it can cost $20,000-$50,000 or more to represent one spouse. Also see: Child Custody Attorney or Child Support Attorney. Legal fees for a personal bankruptcy case can cost $1,000-$3,500 or more depending on whether it's a straight Chapter 7 bankruptcy or a Chapter 13 personal reorganization. Legal fees for a business bankruptcy can cost $1,000-$500,000 or more depending on the size of the company and whether it's a straightforward Chapter 7 business liquidation bankruptcy or a more complex Chapter 11 business reorganization.
- A car accident lawsuit might be handled in small claims court if the amount involved is less a certain amount ($2,500-$15,000, depending on the state); for larger injury lawsuits most lawyers work on a contingency basis, taking 30%-40% of the total money awarded. Also see: Dog Bite Lawsuit; Property Damage Lawsuit; or Slip and Fall Lawsuit.
- For businesses, legal guidance for the process of setting up a limited liability company (LLC) typically costs $1,000-$3,000 (not including state filing fees), and in complicated situations legal fees can be $3,000-$5,000 or more. Also see: Incorporating a Business; Copyright; Trademark; Patent; or Patent Litigation. For employment-related issues, see: Asbestos Attorney; Employment Discrimination Lawsuit; Sexual Harassment Attorney; Workers Compensation Attorney; or Wrongful Termination Attorney. Legal fees to handle an eviction for a landlord can cost $500-$5,000 depending on whether the tenant fights the process. Also see: Fighting Eviction and Landlord-Tenant Dispute.
- A criminal defense attorney will almost always want to meet and discuss the specific circumstances of the case before quoting a fee, and actual costs will depend on the nature and severity of the charges. For a traffic ticket a lawyer may charge $900-$2,000 to contest a speeding ticket and $2,000-$5,000 or more for a complex traffic case that goes to trial. Also see: Drug Defense Attorney; DUI Attorney; Elder Abuse Lawsuit; Expungement; Felony Defense Attorney; Juvenile Crime Attorney; or Shoplifting Defense Attorney.
Related articles: Will, Divorce, Criminal Attorney
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Discounts: | - Those with low incomes may qualify for state programs eliminating filing fees, or for Legal Aid or other low-cost assistance, such as lawyers who will take a case on a pro bono (free) basis. LawHelp.org[1] and the American Bar Association[2] link to legal resources by state.
Shopping for attorney fees: | - Contact several lawyers and ask about their training and experience. The Massachusetts Bar Association provides tips for choosing a lawyer[3] .
- Referrals are available through FindLaw.com[4] or by contacting the local bar association[5] .
- The attorney should provide a written fee agreement; ask specific questions about exactly what is covered, and if there are any other fees and expected expenses that will add to the total cost.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
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External Resources: | - www.lawhelp.org/
- apps.americanbar.org/legalservices/findlegalhelp/home.cfm
- www.massbar.org/for-the-public/need-a-lawyer/tips-on-choosing-a-lawyer
- lawyers.findlaw.com/
- apps.americanbar.org/legalservices/lris/directory/
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